Military Spouses: Can They Get Veterans Disability Compensation?

Surviving military spouses can sometimes receive veterans disability compensation. This benefit is called Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC), and it is paid on a monthly basis. DIC is available to a surviving military spouse (a widow or widower) and his or her dependent children. In some cases, a dependent parent may also be eligible for DIC.

You are eligible for DIC if VA considers you a surviving spouse (see below), and your military spouse died either:

  • while receiving VA disability compensation for at least:
    • 10 or more years, right up until he or she died.
    • from the time of discharge for at least five years up until she or he died, or
    • for at least one year, if your spouse had been a prisoner of war.
  • while on active duty
  • as a result of a service-connected injury or illness, or
  • while on active duty for training or inactive duty training

How Does VA Define “Surviving Spouse”?

The VA will recognize you as a surviving spouse if one of the following is true.

  • You were married to the veteran before January 1, 1957.
  • You were married to the veteran for at least a year.
  • You were married for any length of time and your spouse died while on active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty training.
  • You had a child with the veteran, and
    • you were living with the veteran until his or her death, or
    • you were separated, and the separation was not your fault.
  • You married the veteran within 15 years of his or her discharge from service, and the injury or illness that caused the veteran’s death started in military service, or was made worse by service.

How Much Money Will I Receive?  

 Currently DIC pays $1,154 per month. If you have any children under age 18, your monthly benefit will be increased by $286 for each child. If you are housebound or need help to perform basic tasks of daily living, you will receive additional monthly benefits. To determine how much your monthly benefit might be, see the  VA benefit amounts for DIC.

If you receive benefits for your children under age 18, you will generally only receive this additional benefit for two years. Or the additional benefit for your children may stop earlier if your children reach age 18 before two years have passed.

However, if you have a disabled child, the child will remain eligible for DIC even after they reach age 18 or two years have passed.

What if I Have Remarried?

It depends on when you got remarried.

If you remarried before reaching age 57 or before December 16, 2003, the VA will not consider you a surviving spouse, even if you meet the above requirements.

If you remarried after you were age 57, and after December 16, 2003, the VA will consider you a surviving spouse.

Other Benefits

There are other survivor benefits that you and your children may be eligible for in addition to DIC, such as educational assistance, health care,and assistance with certain burial costs.

VA Pension

If you are not eligible for Disability and Indemnity Compensation (DIC), the VA may find that you are eligible for a  VA Pension. VA Pensions do pay less than DIC and are needs-based, but if your spouse’s death wasn’t service connected and your spouse wasn’t receiving disability compensation at the time of death, it’s your only alternative. If you are on a limited income and your military spouse served during wartime, you may be eligible to receive a VA Pension.

A Guide to Veterans’s Success

The Department Of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs have long affirmed their commitment to military education for active duty, Guard, Reserve, and military dependents whether spouses or children. But the DoD and VA efforts are not without support from other government agencies such as the Department of Education (DoE). Did you know the U.S. Department of Education has its own compact with well over two thousand colleges nationwide?
The Eight Keys To Veterans’ Success program is a voluntary partnership between schools and the DoE; this partnership involves providing veterans, currently serving military, military spouses and military college-age children a welcoming and consistent learning environment.
The Eight Keys To Veterans’ Success
The official list created by the federal government includes the following eight precepts that member institutions volunteer to abide by. It should be noted that agreeing to these principles is not considered compliance with the Department of Defense Memorandum Of Understanding all colleges must agree to in order to receive federal education funds such as GI Bill payments.
The eight keys are as follows, as presented by the DoE official site:
  • Utilize a uniform set of data tools to collect and track information on veterans, including demographics, retention, and degree completion.
  • Provide comprehensive professional development for faculty and staff on issues and challenges unique to veterans.
  • Ensure consistent and sustained support from campus leadership.
  • Implement an early alert system to ensure all veterans receive academic, career, and financial advice before challenges become overwhelming.
  • Collaborate with local communities and organizations, including government agencies, to align and coordinate various services for veterans.
  • Develop systems that ensure sustainability of effective practices for veterans.
  • Create a culture of trust and connectedness across the campus community to promote well-being and success for veterans.
  • Coordinate and centralize campus efforts for all veterans, together with the creation of a designated space for them (even if limited in size)

But Wait, There’s More

Schools who sign up to agree to implement the Eight Keys To Veterans’ Success are also encouraged by the VA and the DoE to agree to a second agreement called the Principles Of Excellence Program. This is another collaborative effort between the Department of Education and the DoD/VA.

According to the official site, the Principles of Excellence are guidelines “for educational institutions receiving funding from the VA.”

The Principles of Excellence guidelines include the following:

  • Align institutional refund policies with those under Title IV, which governs the administration of federal student financial aid programs.
  • End fraudulent and aggressive recruiting techniques and misrepresentations.
  • Provide students with a personalized form covering the total cost of an education program.
  • Accommodate Service members and Reservists absent due to service requirements.
  • Designate a point of contact to provide academic and financial advice.
  • Ensure accreditation of all new programs prior to enrolling students.
  • Provide educational plans for all military and Veteran education beneficiaries.

Veterans & Service Dogs

Veterans may be entitled to benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs for service dogs, but the same is not necessarily true of comfort animals or emotional support animals. The VA has been providing veterinary benefits to Veterans diagnosed as having visual, hearing or substantial mobility impairments under certain conditions.

In 2016, the Department of Veterans Affairs announced a pilot program designed to pair veterans suffering from certain mental health issues with service animals. This pilot program was an expansion of an existing VA effort to help veterans by providing service dogs to those in need.

The 2016 VA announcement about the pilot program announced:

Through the pilot program, veterans with a mental health issue that “substantially limits mobility” would be eligible for consideration in cases where the service dog has been identified as “the optimal way for the Veteran to manage the mobility impairment and live independently”.

This program supplemented the existing VA service dog program which still provides funds and referral services to veterans who have been medically evaluated and are eligible for VA compensation for some service dog expenses.

Veterans with disabilities often choose to adopt a pet to help them cope with service connected issues including physical disabilities and service-connected issues such as PTSD, traumatic brain injuries, depression, and other conditions.The animals in the pilot program and the VA service dog program, in general, are trained animals and not considered “comfort dogs”–we will explore the technical distinctions of those terms below.

There are a variety of options to choose from when adopting an animal that is meant to be more than a pet, and it’s important to know the difference between service animals and comfort animals.

That may not sound like a big distinction to make, but depending on the state you live in, local ordinances, and other variables, a service animal may be able to go with the owner to places a “comfort animal” might not.

What Is The Difference Between An Emotional Support Animal And A Service Dog?

This issue is tricky to navigate; The discussion of service dogs versus emotional support animals might lead some to believe that one is “better” than the other.

This is not true.

The best animal for someone who needs a service dog or an emotional support animal is the one that meets the specific needs of the person making the choice.

The criteria for that will vary, but there are technical and legal differences between service animals and support animals that we will examine here.

What Is A Service Animal?

A service animal is one that has been trained and certified to work with people with disabilities and perform tasks for them as needed. A comfort animal may play an equally important role to someone who needs the emotional support, but comfort animals are not necessarily trained in certain tasks or certified as a support animal.

The Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) codifies this in a 2010 “final regulation” available on the ADA official site which states that effective March 15, 2011, only dogs are recognized as service animals “under titles II and III of the ADA”. Furthermore, according to ADA.gov:

  • Generally, title II and title III entities must permit service animals to accompany people with disabilities in all areas where members of the public are allowed to go.
  • A service animal is a dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for a person with a disability.

The Americans with Disabilities Act labels for “title II” as state and local government services) and “title III” as public accommodations and commercial facilities.

What The Americans With Disabilities Act Says About Miniature Service Horses

The notion of a miniature service horse may surprise some, but there is a legitimate option to use trained miniature horses as service animals. These animals range from 24 inches to 2 inches (measured to the shoulders) and weigh up to 100 pounds.

According to the ADA, “Entities covered by the ADA must modify their policies to permit miniature horses where reasonable.” For full accessibility, the animal must be housebroken, under the owner’s control, and the facility where the owner wants to go must be able to accommodate the size and weight of the animal. Safety issues may also be a factor.

It seems clear that although a service horse might be a unique concept in some situations compared to the more well-known service dog, the philosophy of the ADA towards miniature horses is similar to service dogs.

Both animals must be trained and be able to work with the owner as intended, but if that is the case (barring the considerations mentioned above) the law treats service horses in much the same way as service dogs.

What Kind Of Work Do Service Dogs Do?

The ADA official site lists tasks that a trained service dog may do for its’ owner, which include but may not be limited to:

  • Calming a person with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) during an anxiety attack
  • Guiding the blind
  • Alerting those who are deaf
  • Reminding the owner to take prescribed medications
  • Pulling a wheelchair, Alerting and/or protecting a person suffering a seizure

According to the ADA, the duties a service dog has been trained to provide “must be directly related to the person’s disability”. Furthermore, under ADA rules, dogs “whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals under the ADA”.

What About Comfort Animals?

Under the Americans With Disabilities Act, a comfort animal is not given the same status as a service dog.

The ADA official site states, “Because they have not been trained to perform a specific job or task, they (comfort animals) do not qualify as service animals under the ADA. However, some State or local governments have laws that allow people to take emotional support animals into public places.”

The Americans With Disabilities Act does make a difference between a psychiatric service animal (which has been properly trained) and an emotional support animal:

“If the dog has been trained to sense that an anxiety attack is about to happen and take a specific action to help avoid the attack or lessen its impact, that would qualify as a service animal.”

The ADA adds that in cases where the animal’s presence provides just comfort without the training, “that would not be considered a service animal under the ADA.”

Department Of Veterans Affairs Benefits For Veterans With Service Dogs

The VA official site describes a service dog in much the same way the Americans With Disabilities Act does. According to the VA official site, service dogs must be trained “to do specific tasks for a person that he or she cannot do because of a disability”.

A dog that does not have this training and provides protection, companionship, emotional support, or comfort only may not be described or compensated as a service animal.

Department Of Veterans Affairs Benefits For Veterans With Guide Dogs Or Service Dogs

The VA official site describes benefits available to veterans who utilize service dogs. The VA’s Rehabilitation and Prosthetic Services page has a section devoted specifically to the benefits offered to veterans who use guide dogs, and another section that addresses service dogs.

Department Of Veterans Affairs Benefits For Visually Impaired Veterans With Guide Dogs

VA benefits for veterans who may need or prefer a guide dog include assessments for mobility and spatial orientation. The VA will provide contact information on guide dog schools. Partnering with a guide dog is accomplished through independent, non-VA affiliated programs.

These veterans are eligible to receive veterinary care and equipment through the VA Prosthetics and Sensory Aids program, but VA funds are not available for grooming, boarding, food, or other routine expenses.

The VA Description Of A Service Dog

VA requirements for a service dog include a set of specific criteria. The dog must:

  • Do things that are different from natural dog behavior
  • Do things that the handler (dog owner) cannot do because of a disability
  • Learn to work with the new handler in ways that help manage the owner’s disability

VA Policy On Animal Assisted Therapy And Animal Assisted Activity Dogs

These animals are not considered service dogs under the VA program and are not compensated as such. Animal Assisted Therapy and Animal Assisted Activity dogs are used “to assist therapists to accomplish therapeutic goals or for social engagement of the patients”.

Since these therapy animals are not provided for the individual, personal use of the veteran and are provided in a treatment setting only, they would not qualify under the VA program to compensate veterans for their service dogs.

Getting A Service Dog With VA Help

Veterans who need a service animal may request one from the Department of Veterans Affairs. The VA will review the veteran’s case and be evaluated by a clinician. The veteran will be evaluated based on a set of criteria including the following:

  • Ability and means, including family or caregiver, to care for the dog now/in the future
  • Goals that are to accomplished through the use of the dog
  • Goals that are to be accomplished through other assistive technology or therapy

If the veteran’s service dog request is approved, they are referred to Assistance Dogs International-accredited agencies, and there is no cost to the veteran for the service dog or the dog’s training.

Like guide dogs for visually-impaired veterans, veterinary care and equipment are provided through VA Prosthetics and Sensory Aids, but VA funds are not available for the routine expenses of owning the dog including food, grooming, or boarding.

Does The VA Provide Service Dogs?

No. The service animals must come from an Assistance Dogs International (ADI) or International Guide Dog Federation (IGDF) accredited service dog organization.

The VHA Prosthetic and Sensory Aids Service administers this benefit program for eligible Veterans through what the VA describes as a “contracted insurance policy” subject to VA rules and restrictions as provided for in the service dog program.

Service Dog Training For The Owner

The VA does not expect the service dog to get trained without the owner being specifically trained as a handler. The veteran is expected to receive training from a qualified instructor to learn service dog handling skills.

VA Compensation For Travel To Guide Dog Training

The Department of Veterans Affairs may compensate the veteran for travel required to attend this training but the vet must be pre-approved for these expenses. Discuss this option with your point of contact for the service dog program.

What Specific Costs For Service Dogs Does The VA Cover?

The Department of Veterans Affairs will pay for the veteran’s service dog to receive a harness and backpack. Veterinary care is also compensated including prescription medications for the dog, office visits for medical treatment and dental work where the service dog must be sedated.

The dog must have current vaccinations when paired with the owner but future immunizations are covered by the Department of Veterans Affairs. In some cases, the dog may have a doctor-prescribed diet and compensation for these circumstances are reviewed case-by-case.

The VA does not generally pay for over-the-counter medications including flea-and-tick treatments, store-bought dental products, and dental care that does not require sedation.

How Do I Know If I Am Eligible For A Service Dog Through The VA?

The Department of Veterans Affairs requires all those who receive medical services through the VA including service dogs, to register with the VA Health Administration enrollment section of any VA medical center or online. All service dog requests are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Gulf War Veterans: VA Services

The Department of Veterans Affairs offers special services for Gulf War Veterans. According to the VA official site, Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm saw more than 650 thousand military members serving between August 2, 1990 and July 31, 1991.

But the Gulf War era of service is at the time of this writing still ongoing. Any service member who has been commissioned as an officer or served as an enlisted member since August 2, 1990 is considered a Gulf War vet.

What does this mean for those who have served during the Gulf War era? For starters, it means any military duty during this time is considered wartime service, and that makes these vets eligible for the Veterans Pension benefit which has wartime service as a basic requirement. There are also other programs the VA offers that benefit those who have served during the Gulf War era.

General VA Benefits For Gulf War Vets

Gulf War era veterans may qualify for the same range of general VA benefits open to all who serve the minimum amount of time in uniform. These benefits include general disability compensation, VA pension benefits, education, training, health care, and home loan benefits just to name a few.

Gulf War veterans who need to apply for these more general benefits may apply online at the VA official site using the eBenefits portal or use an accredited Veterans Service Organization (VSO). You can also apply via a VA regional office.

Gulf War-Specific Illnesses and Medical Conditions

There are Gulf War era medical problems that the Department of Veterans Affairs has labeled as presumptive, meaning that if you served or are serving during the Gulf War era in certain locations and display certain symptoms the VA assumes these medical problems are definitely service connected.

This can include the “medically unexplained” symptoms collectively known as Gulf War Syndrome, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) that has been “diagnosed in all Veterans who had 90 days or more continuous active military service,” plus what the VA describes as “certain infectious diseases” such as West Nile Virus, shingles, and other conditions (see below).

The VA official site reminds veterans that they may be entitled to VA disability benefits if you served in Southwest Asia during the Gulf War, did not get a dishonorable discharge, and your condition meets a list of requirements.

To be considered for VA disability benefits as a Gulf War era veteran who served in Southwest Asia, all of the following must apply to you:

  • The condition was caused “only by your service in the Southwest Asia theater of operations”
  • The medical issue(s) began while serving before December 31, 2016
  • You qualify for a VA disability rating of 10% or more
  • You were sick for a minimum of six months

Furthermore, the VA requires these eligible veterans to have one or more of the following:

  • Functional gastrointestinal disorders
  • Chronic fatigue syndrome
  • Other “undiagnosed illnesses” including cardiovascular disease, muscle and joint pain, and headaches (but not limited to these)
  • Fibromyalgia

“Presumed Disability Benefits” may be available to such veterans if the presumed disability began within a year of your date of separation and the presumed disability results in a VA disability rating of 10% or higher.

The VA List of Presumed Disabilities

  • West Nile virus
  • Nontyphoid salmonella
  • Burcellosis
  • Campylobacter jejuni
  • Shigella
  • Coxiella burnetii (Q fever)

VA Research Into Gulf War-Specific Issues Affecting Veterans

The Department of Veterans Affairs has conducted extensive research into certain medical issues that affect veterans who have served in Southwest Asia during the Gulf War era including the “prominent condition affecting Gulf War Veterans” commonly known as Gulf War Syndrome.

This syndrome is described by the VA as “…a cluster of medically unexplained chronic symptoms that can include fatigue, headaches, joint pain, indigestion, insomnia, dizziness, respiratory disorders, skin problems, and memory impairment.”

The VA literature on the subject refers to such issues as “chronic multi-symptom illness” (CMI) and “undiagnosed illnesses.” The VA does not prefer or refer to these symptoms as Gulf War Syndrome, but VA literature may include these terms since researchers and caregivers commonly do use the term.

What You Need To Know About VA Services For Gulf War Era Veterans

 A 2016 study notes that some 44 percent of all Gulf War vets who served in the Persian Gulf during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm may have the symptoms commonly described as Gulf War Illness or Gulf War Syndrome.

What’s more, certain infectious diseases are associated with military service in that theatre of operations including malaria, shingles, West Nile Virus, and visceral leishmaniasis (just to name a few).

Those who may worry about medical conditions they might associate with their military service during the Gulf War era while stationed in or deployed to Southwest Asia are urged to participate in the VA Gulf War Health Registry Exam which is intended to help care providers and veterans determine if further attention is warranted, evaluate the veteran’s eligibility for certain VA care or benefits, etc.

The examination itself includes a physical, the review of possible exposure risks, medical history, lab tests, and discussions with VA health care professionals. The exam process is free for eligible veterans, there is no co-pay, and enrollment in the VA healthcare system is not required.

Veterans considering this process should know that the VA does not consider the Gulf War Health Registry Exam to be part of a disability compensation exam and this exam process is NOT REQUIRED to claim other VA benefits.

This exam process is, unlike the evaluation for VA compensation for service-connected medical issues, NOT based on military records but on the service member’s memory of the events that may have led to exposure, injury, etc. Veterans are free to request a second exam process if new symptoms or problems become apparent.

This exam process is only available to veterans, family members cannot use these services.

Being a Military Spouse: Top Benefits

Military spouses face many challenges, so it’s nice to have benefits to balance the scale.  Spouses can find many advantages ranging from educational benefits to employment opportunities.  Many programs are provided automatically upon entrance to military service or marriage to a service member.  Listed below are 5 top benefits not provided automatically, but available to military spouses to utilize.

1.  Military Spouse Preference (MSP) Program:

With military spouse unemployment remaining high, any advantage that can assist in securing a desired position is helpful. Under the MSP, military spouses are given preferential employment placement in vacant Department of Defense (DoD) civilian positions. These vacancies may fall under either civil service or Appropriated/Non-Appropriates Funds. Please contact you local Civilian Personnel Office (CPO) or Human Resources Office (HRO) for current vacancies.

2.  Patriot Express:

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has established this small business loan program for veterans and spouses. Its purpose is to assist with the initial costs in establishing a small business, or costs related to expanding a small business.  Low interest rates are assigned to the loans, typically ranging from 2.25%-4.75%.  The SBA guarantees up to 85% of the total loan, with a maximum loan amount of $500,000.

3.  Family Service Members’ Group Life Insurance (FSGLI):

Military spouses are eligible to receive up to $100,000 in life insurance coverage. Military members can elect to enroll their family members in this program for coverage of $10,000 to $100,000.  Spouse and dependent coverage may not exceed the coverage held by the service member, and children are restricted to $10,000. Contact your Military Personnel Office for enrollment information.

4.  Transferred GI Bill® Benefits:

Education benefits can be transferred from service members to their spouses and children.  Once the military member has reached the required time in service, he or she may elect to assign a portion or all of their GI Bill benefits to a family member. Benefits may be used while the military member is still serving in the Armed Forces.  Spouses are able to use the benefits for up to 15 years after the military member separates from the Armed Forces, and children may use the benefits until they reach 26 years of age. Children may also be eligible for additional benefits, such as monthly housing allowances. Your installation’s Education Office and the Veteran’s Affairs (VA) office can provide additional details.

5.  Military Spouse Career Advancement Account (MyCAA):

One of the most advantageous programs offered to military spouses is the MyCAA Scholarship.  This program offers up to $4,000 in financial assistance to military spouses who are pursuing any of the following offered by an institute aligned with the MyCAA Program:

  • A License
  • A Certification
  • An Associates Degree

Spouses of active duty, guard, and reserve members holding the ranks of E-1 to E-5, W-1 to W-2, and O-1 to O-2 are eligible, and must be able to begin and complete their program while the military member is on Title 10 military orders.

New Military Spouse 101

Joining the military community can be a daunting and foreign experience for individuals unfamiliar with the military life. You are not alone – and you certainly don’t have to navigate this strange new world on your own either. For new military families, the military jargon, customs and courtesies, high OPTEMPO (“operational tempo”), and the myriad of bureaucratic organizations to deal with can be incredibly overwhelming. Never be afraid to ask questions. There are so many experienced families who can guide and support you along the way. Here is some helpful advice that I routinely share with new members of our military community.

  • Familiarize yourself with your respective service’s customs and courtesies, as well as personal etiquette: There is nothing more embarrassing than committing a social faux pas at a military event, be it a formal, semi-formal, or casual event. No one ever wants to go down in unit history as that person. Ensure that you also dress appropriately for unit functions – when in doubt, ask an experienced spouse or the leadership for clearer guidance on attire. (Most event invitations will specify the dress code.) If you’re invited to a small function, a Thank You letter to the host/hostess will go a long way.

 

  • Understand the Leave and Earning Statement (LES): Upon first glance, the LES can be highly confusing with all of its acronyms. Learning how to decipher what everything means will ensure you can track pay allowances, benefits, debts, and allocated leave days. Consistent monitoring of the monthly LES can prevent pay issues. For official guidance on understanding the LES, go to the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) site.

 

  • Use your family support group: Each service has its own support group with different names, but they all serve the same purpose in providing information, guidance, access to military post resources, and camaraderie. Their functions are most prominent during times of deployment and extended training when your service member is away from home, but they also serve the same purpose in a garrison environment. The Army has its Family Readiness Groups; Navy has its Ombudsman volunteer and Family Readiness Groups; Air Force has the Key Spouse Program; Marine Corps has the Family Readiness Program; and the Coast Guard has the Work-Life Program. Get to know the other senior spouses – they are a wealth of knowledge and experience and can guide you through the often baffling military system. Check with your readiness groups and on-post facilities to see if they offer introductory classes for new spouses. There are often courses both in a classroom or online that you can participate in to familiarize yourself with ranks, military jargon, military benefits and resources, and deployment preparation.

 

  • Ask questions in the absence of information: The most damaging thing that can harm a unit and its families is misinformation. In the absence of real information, never succumb to rumors and never make assumptions. If something sounds off or if you lack clarity, ask your Family Readiness Group Leader or the Chain of Command (if they have provided their contact information for that very purpose). Always go to an individual or representative who is authorized or has direct access to get the real information. Circulating or purely going off information within a rumor mill is counterproductive to the efforts of readiness groups and units which have the best intentions for the families under their care.

 

  • USAJOBS.GOV: Moving from post to post every couple of years can mean your own career sometimes takes a backseat. At USAJOBS  you can find federal jobs around your current duty station, as it is an incredible resource to becoming a federal employee. The Military Spouse Appointing Authority (Executive Order 13473) gives agencies the authority to hire military spouses without competition, but it doesn’t entitle spouses to a hiring opportunity over all other applicants. For more information, read “Special Hiring Authorities for Military Spouses and Family Members.”

 

  • Memorize your sponsor’s (service member’s) Social Security Number (SSN) and birthday: Commit this information to memory, as all Tricare benefits and any other official military services will always need the sponsor’s information before services are rendered. Just ensure you give this information out judiciously to legitimate organizations and trusted sources to prevent identity theft.

 

  • “Nothing is EVER set in stone!: This is a motto that I live and swear by from my experience as both a Soldier and as a spouse. This motto has made my life infinitely easier when I know and accept ahead of time that dates and situations will always change because the military works in time frames, not set days, making life unpredictablefor military families.  Having worked on operational level staffs, I’ve seen the hard work and planning that our service members’ leaders conduct on a daily basis. I’ve also seen the immense frustration when all the in-depth planning is nixed or drastically altered, requiring immediate attention in addressing the latest issue or timeline change at hand. There’s always someone higher up in the food chain with the authority to alter any given plan. In a perfect world, everything would be predictable and on a set schedule. However, as a new spouse, get used to arrivals, departures, training events, and even vacation leave moving either right or left on your calendar. The same goes for abrupt requirements that will require your service member to have to drop everything and disappear at a moment’s notice for a tasking or for a last-minute change in duties.

As a whole, welcome to the military community! It’s a fantastic adventure that your family will never forget. A grateful nation thanks you for your commitment and sacrifices. Get ready to meet amazing people, see different places, and HAVE FUN!

Military Retirement: What Benefits Are There?

Military retirement marks a point in transitioning that requires a bit more planning and preparation than other milestones. Luckily, the military is on your side and does its best to prepare military and families for that ultimate transition to civilian life: military retirement. After all, it has likely been at least 20 years since families of a career-driven service member lived in one location for more than three years.

While a few VA retirement benefits will overlap with common veteran’s benefits, retirees receive a few extra benefits that only 20 years time in service can grant.

First things first: don’t forget to apply for a veterans retirement ID card. Unlike veterans serving less than 20 years, who have limited options in obtaining a veterans ID card, retired military veterans can be eligible to receive a DD Form 2 ID card, which is blue in color. See the Military and Veteran ID cards page for more information.

Next are military retirement benefits. Detailed information about these VA benefits can be found at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Anything that requires a form for enrollment, such as VA Health Care and the GI Bill, can be found at eBenefits.

Veterans Discounts – Many businesses offer discounts that favor retirees. We’ve compiled lists of the most popular military and veterans discounts, which vary based on the business and the location.

GI Bill – Education benefits are available for eligible veterans, or for their family members should they choose to transfer benefits. More information on the GI Bill can be found on our Veterans Education Page. Most likely, if you are a retired military veteran, you will receive 100% of your GI Bill benefits. This can be an opening step to your civilian career post military.

Retirement Pay – Military retirement pay is dependent on the number of years served and when the service member enlisted. A breakdown of how military retirement pay is calculated can be found at “Understanding Military Retirement Pay.” This also includes a breakdown of retirement COLA and CBS/Redux. Military retirement pay can be managed on the DFAS website.

Disability – All disability is calculated on a per case basis. Disability claims must be submitted to the VA and processed; one claim per separate injury.

VA Health Care – Enrollment can be done online or in person at a local VA Medical Center, at which time eligibility is determined. This health care is only coverage for the veteran. Additional health insurance would be necessary for dependents.

VA Dental Care – Although dental care through the VA is limited, it is available to veterans with a service-connected dental disability. A single visit is also available through for veterans within 180 days of discharge if a full dental examination was not conducted prior to discharge.

VA Home Loan – The VA Home Loan is not only available to veterans, but to their surviving spouses as well. Active duty service members may also be eligible for this loan, which may be something to consider when approaching retirement.

Veterans Group Life Insurance – The VGLI is just one type of life insurance available to retired veterans. The VA also offers Service-Disabled Veteran Insurance, or S-DVI, as well as Veterans Mortgage Life Insurance, which aids in the settling of a mortgage in the event of death. There is also Financial Aid Counseling for beneficiaries as well as assistance in online will preparation.

For more information on veterans benefits available to you, visit the websites of the city, county, and state you reside in. These should have information on state and local benefits offered to veterans and retirees who live in those areas.

Military Benefits: Medal of Honor

The Medal of Honor (MoH) is the highest military medal a service member can earn. Created in the wake of the Civil War, the Medal of Honor is awarded to those who risk their lives above and beyond the call of duty in “actual combat” against an armed enemy of the United States.

There is a military tradition that dictates all uniformed members of the service render a salute to Medal of Honor awardees regardless of rank; this is one of the unique customs and courtesies associated with the medal. Even the most senior military officer will participate in this tradition out of respect for the sacrifices made in combat by all awardees.

  • Some base facilities offer special parking spaces, plus access to on-base recreation facilities. This on-base access is normally limited to currently serving military members, retirees, and dependents with valid military ID. Those who did not retire, but separated from the military don’t have such access otherwise
  • Recipients are given preferential accommodations at on-base billeting facilities, are provided with special military ID cards, plus access to on-base commissary and BX/PX privileges
  • Added to the Medal of Honor Roll
  • Retired pay is increased by 10%
  • A special Medal of Honor pension of $1,388.68 per month above and beyond any other benefits including pensions
  • A special supplemental clothing allowance of $830.56
  • Free lifelong travel on DoD military aircraft as a priority “Space-A” traveler. This benefit is subject to whether seats are available, hence the “Space-A” designation.
  • Priority level #1 (of 8) consideration when it comes to claims before the Department of Veterans Affairs.
  • Exempt from co-payments for their medical care.
  • Access to MWR retail and lodging facilities (effective Jan. 1, 2020)
  • Invites to presidential inauguration events and  special recognition ceremonies at the state and local level
  • Some private companies offer special gifts, incentive programs, or access for Medal of Honor awardees and others receiving high military honors such as The Purple Heart. Individual programs and requirements may vary
  • Surviving spouses and dependent children of Medal of Honor awardees may, depending on the state, be eligible to receive added consideration for state education benefits
  • Special military burial honors including headstones with gold lettering and a nine-member team of six pallbearers, a chaplain, an officer-in-charge or noncommissioned-officer-in-charge and a bugler.
  • A variety of non-military benefits. Those include special license plates, licenses, and ID cards with application requirements and availability varying by state
  • Interment at Arlington National Cemetery, if not already eligible
  • Children of awardees are offered automatic appointment to any military service academy they are qualified to enter, without regard to nomination or quota regulations. Normally, a nomination is required to enter a military academy such as West Point, and there is a rigorous screening process

VA Compensation & Disability Pay

The Department of Veterans Affairs does not award compensation automatically, a review of the veteran’s health, medical records, medical history with the claimed condition, and related factors will all play a part in that review.

The veteran is responsible for scheduling a claims appointment. This can be done as part of final out processing, but may also be accomplished within a specified time frame after leaving military service.

Those applying for VA compensation benefits may also be eligible to sign up for VA healthcare benefits and a Veteran’s Health Identification Card. VA compensation for service connected medical issues is not necessarily tied with VA healthcare benefits, but if you have a VA rated disability you should definitely explore the options open to you under the VA health system.

What To Do When Applying For VA Compensation For Service-Connected Conditions

It is best to apply for VA compensation before your final out-processing appointment, but this is not always possible. In any case, service members will need to supply copies (not originals) of discharge paperwork such as the DD Form 214 for active duty military members, medical records, supporting documentation for the medical claim, and a completed VA Form 21-526.

Depending on the type of claim you are making, it may be necessary to get supporting evidence that shows how your condition affects your ability to work, socialize, pursue hobbies, etc. This may come in the form of medical records, but also personal statements from yourself, family, co-workers, etc.

You may also need to show how your condition has worsened over time. All medical records pertinent to the condition, and even those that are not, should be submitted as evidence.

Keep in mind that your family status may play a role in how the VA approaches your compensation claim. If you are awarded a VA disability rating of 30% or higher, changes in your family status may result in changes to your payments.

Never pass up the opportunity to get additional consideration for your condition, especially if you are entitled to more from the VA as a result of having a family.

You will be required to notify the Department of Veterans Affairs in such cases; changes to your claim or payments of the claim in these circumstances are never automatic.

Service Connected Disability Explained

The Department of Veterans Affairs official site describes VA Disability Compensation as a benefit paid to qualifying veterans “disabilities that are the result of a disease or injury incurred or aggravated during active military service.”

VA rules also allow for compensation “for post-service disabilities that are considered related or secondary to disabilities occurring in service and for disabilities presumed to be related to circumstances of military service” even in cases where such issues are not discovered until after the veteran has retired or separated from the military.

Depending on the nature and severity of the conditions evaluated by the Department of Veterans Affairs, you may be entitled to a monthly payment based on the VA disability percentage rating assigned to your condition.

Some medical conditions can only warrant a 10% rating (such as tinnitus or other hearing-related issues), while others may be rated as much as 50% or higher depending on the condition. Servicemembers with dependents may receive additional consideration for higher VA disability payments.

Getting Help With Filing And Tracking VA Claims

You do not have to apply for VA medical benefits or compensation alone; there are many agencies known as Veterans Service Organizations or VSOs that are authorized to act on your behalf to file with the government. This may be especially important for those who have fears that their medical claims may be denied, or for those who have been denied and want to file an appeal.

Who are these VSOs? There are too many to list comprehensively but the most highly visible include AMVETS, the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), DAV, and others. Help may also be available from your state government; check the state department of veterans affairs (not the same as the federal-level Department of Veterans Affairs) to see what services may be offered to veterans who need VA claims assistance.

The VA official site has a list of accredited Veteran Service Organizations you can use to find help filing your VA claim or appealing a VA decision to deny your claim.

VA Disability Ratings: Subject To Review And Not Always Permanent

The Department of Veterans Affairs reserves the right to change VA disability rating schedules, screening requirements, and even revisit the VA award itself to see if the condition has improved or gotten worse over time.

In some cases you may get a letter from the VA instructing you to participate in a re-examination of your claim; in others the veteran herself may wish to have the claim reviewed. This is especially true in cases where the veteran feels the condition is not improving or getting worse.

Do not skip the re-examination process. Doing so may subject you to a more arbitrary decision from the VA.

Education Benefits for Veterans

As a veteran, taking advantage of educational benefits available to you is a great way to successfully transition back to civilian life and work toward your long-term goals. From college classes to on-the-job training, many educational opportunities await you and your family—as do a wide range of benefits to help fund those opportunities.

Here’s how to make the most of your benefits:

Do your homework. Learn all you can about the key Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) programs available under the GI Bill. Some of them include:

  • Veterans Educational Assistance Program (VEAP). If you enrolled and made VEAP contributions from your military pay before April 1, 1987, the government will match those amounts two-for-one. Benefits may be used for a college degree program, technical or vocational courses, apprenticeships and more.
  • Post-9/11 GI Bill. This program offers financial support for education and housing to those who served after Sept. 10, 2001. Unused benefits can be transferred to your spouse or children.
  • Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment (VR&E). This program helps veterans with a service-connected disability prepare for and find work.Va.gov has an online tool to help you research and compare approved education programs and estimate your benefit amounts.
  • Montgomery GI Bill. Veterans who contributed $1,200 to the program while on Active Duty can get funding for higher education and training. You may qualify for one of the four categories of eligibility, depending on when you enlisted and how long you served.
  • Forever GI Bill. Also called the Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act, the Forever GI Bill was passed in August 2017. It removes the 15-year time limit for veterans who were discharged on or after Jan. 1, 2013 to use their educational benefits.
    • Servicemembers who received the Purple Heart on or after Sept. 11, 2001 are entitled to full benefits, regardless of how long they have served.
    • Veterans who attended schools that have been closed—or have received certain disapprovals—between Jan. 1, 2015 and August 2017 are eligible to have their benefits restored.
    • Qualifying veterans participating in STEM (science, technology, education and math) programs will receive up to nine additional months to finish school. They’re also eligible to apply for up to $30,000 in scholarships.
    • Veterans have more choices in where they learn, including education programs at accredited independent study programs, career and technical education schools and postsecondary vocational institutions.

Weigh options carefully. Selecting a benefit could make you ineligible for other benefits, so choose carefully.

Check your eligibility. The type of education benefits you’re eligible for depend on various factors and criteria. Spouses and family members may also be eligible. Learn more about education programs available to you.

Follow the money.

You can find a wealth of education funding beyond your GI Bill benefits.

You may qualify for other state, federal and private education scholarships. For example:

  • Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) o offers veteran scholarships of up to $5,000 per semester, along with guidance on receiving VA benefits.
  • Starbucks® offers free college tuition to veteran employees, spouses and children at the online campus of Arizona State University.
  • Troops to Teachers is a U.S. Department of Defense program that helps eligible veterans begin new careers as teachers.

Take time to plan. Your education benefits can be used for a range of options, from a full college degree to technical training, on-the-job apprenticeships and work-study programs, and even flight training.

Having so many possibilities can seem overwhelming, so make sure you think about your personal career goals and the types of learning environments you enjoy. Use these tools from the VA to choose a school and career that will help you accomplish your goals. If you need additional funds to cover college expenses, consider whether a student loan from Navy Federal is right for you.